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County eyes small manufacturers, mentions ammunition firms as potential industrial-park tenants
Summary
CEO Bill Everett told commissioners two established firearms/ammunition companies, including Tannerite, have expressed interest in the county's east-yard industrial park; commissioners discussed suitability and the county's strategy of targeting smaller-scale manufacturers.
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County officials said the county's east-yard industrial park has attracted interest from small manufacturers and that two established firms in the firearms/ammunition supply chain have been discussed as potential tenants.
"We actually have two companies coming forth right now that want to be a part of our community," CEO Bill Everett said, naming one by trade as Tannerite and saying the other is an ammunition manufacturer. Everett described the firms as "existing companies that are very profitable" whose workforce and pay "are good paying jobs with good benefits."
Commissioners and staff framed the county's economic-development approach as focused on smaller-scale, lower-tech manufacturers suited to the local labor pool. John Fitzpatrick, the prospective consultant, said the county has had success shifting away from seeking one very large employer toward attracting multiple smaller manufacturers that can grow locally.
Vern Tuss spoke in support of Fitzpatrick's expertise and summarized HB877, a data-center bill Fitzpatrick sponsored that did not pass. Tuss argued Fitzpatrick's experience with legislation and regulatory environments could be valuable but did not link any specific site approvals to the county's authority. The Commission did not vote on leasing or agreements during the work session; staff said land transfer from Atlantic Richfield is expected in the next 30 days and further public steps will follow.
